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2023 Best Value Colleges for Pastoral Studies/Counseling (Income $0-$30k)

32 Ranked Colleges
1,430 Degrees Awarded
$18,700 Avg Net Price*
Best Value Pastoral Studies/Counseling Schools For Those Making $0-$30k

It’s not easy to decide which college to attend when there so many options available for students. College Factual was founded, in part, to help students make the decision as to what would be the best school for them. Our “Best Value Pastoral Studies/Counseling Schools For Those Making $0-$30k” ranking is part of that endeavor.

In 2020-2021, 1,430 people earned their degree in pastoral studies/counseling, making the major the 364th most popular in the United States.

This year’s “Best Value Pastoral Studies/Counseling Schools For Those Making $0-$30k” ranking analyzed 32 colleges that offered a degree in pastoral studies/counseling. The schools that top this list are recognized because they have great pastoral studies/counseling programs and cost less that schools of similar quality.

When determining these rankings, we looked at things such as overall quality of the pastoral studies/counseling program at the school and the cost to attend the school once aid has been awarded. See our ranking methodology to learn more.

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The pastoral studies/counseling school you choose to invest your time and money in matters. To help you make the decision that is right for you, we’ve developed a number of major-specific rankings, including this list of “Best Value Pastoral Studies/Counseling Schools For Those Making $0-$30k”.

To further help you make the college decision, we’ve developed a unique tool called College Combat that allows you to compare schools based on the factors that matter the most to you. We encourage you to try it out and pit your favorite colleges and universities head to head! If you don’t have time right now, you can bookmark it for later.

Best Value Pastoral Studies/Counseling Schools For Those Making $0-$30k

The colleges and universities below are the best for pastoral studies/counseling students whose families make $0-$30k.

Top 25 Best Value Colleges for Pastoral Studies/Counseling (Income $0-$30k)

1
Olivet Nazarene crest
Olivet Nazarene University
Bourbonnais, Illinois

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Olivet Nazarene University. It ranked #1 on our 2023 Best Value Pastoral Studies/Counseling Schools For Those Making $0-$30k list. Located in Bourbonnais, Illinois, this small private not-for-profit school awarded 15 degrees to qualified ’s pastoral studies/counseling students in 2020-2021.

Olivet Nazarene also made our “Best Pastoral Studies/Counseling Schools” list, coming in at #2. The yearly cost to attend Olivet Nazarene is $16,451 for pastoral studies/counseling students whose families make $0-$30k.

The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 2.7%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

Read full report on Pastoral Studies/Counseling at Olivet Nazarene University

2
Moody Theological Seminary and Graduate School crest
Moody Bible Institute
Chicago, Illinois

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend Moody Bible Institute. The school came in at #2 for the Best Value Pastoral Studies/Counseling Schools For Those Making $0-$30k. Located in Chicago, Illinois, this small private not-for-profit school awarded 56 degrees to qualified ’s pastoral studies/counseling students in 2020-2021.

Moody Theological Seminary and Graduate School also made our “Best Pastoral Studies/Counseling Schools” list, coming in at #1. It costs about $20,301 for pastoral studies/counseling students whose families make $0-$30k per year to attend Moody Theological Seminary and Graduate School.

The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 3.3%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Read more about Pastoral Studies/Counseling at Moody Theological Seminary and Graduate School

3
Lee University crest
Lee University
Cleveland, Tennessee

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Lee University. It ranked #3 on our 2023 Best Value Pastoral Studies/Counseling Schools For Those Making $0-$30k list. Lee University is a small school located in Cleveland, Tennessee that handed out 48 ’s pastoral studies/counseling degrees in 2020-2021.

Lee University also made our “Best Pastoral Studies/Counseling Schools” list, coming in at #13. The estimated yearly cost for Lee University is $15,111 for pastoral studies/counseling students whose families make $0-$30k.

The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 4.5%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Read more about Pastoral Studies/Counseling at Lee University

4
Ozark Christian College crest
Ozark Christian College
Joplin, Missouri

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend Ozark Christian College. The school came in at #4 for the Best Value Pastoral Studies/Counseling Schools For Those Making $0-$30k. Ozark Christian College is a private not-for-profit institution located in Joplin, Missouri. The school has a small population, and it awarded 10 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Ozark Christian College also took the #14 spot in our “Best Pastoral Studies/Counseling Schools” ranking. It costs about $13,895 for pastoral studies/counseling students whose families make $0-$30k per year to attend Ozark Christian College.

The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 2.9%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

Read more about Pastoral Studies/Counseling at Ozark Christian College

5
Johnson University crest
Johnson University
Knoxville, Tennessee

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Johnson University. It ranked #5 on our 2023 Best Value Pastoral Studies/Counseling Schools For Those Making $0-$30k list. Johnson University is a private not-for-profit institution located in Knoxville, Tennessee. The school has a small population, and it awarded 3 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Johnson University did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #17 on our “Best Pastoral Studies/Counseling Schools” list. The estimated yearly cost for Johnson University is $12,827 for pastoral studies/counseling students whose families make $0-$30k.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 3.5% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%. Since the school has a undergrad student-to-faculty ratio of 8 to 1, those pursuing a degree will have more opportunities to interact with their professors.

Full Johnson University Pastoral Studies/Counseling Report

6
Bethel University Minnesota crest
Bethel University Minnesota
Saint Paul, Minnesota

Bethel University Minnesota came in at #6 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Pastoral Studies/Counseling Schools For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. Bethel University Minnesota is a small private not-for-profit school situated in Saint Paul, Minnesota. It awarded 32 ’s pastoral studies/counseling degrees in 2020-2021.

Bethel University Minnesota also made our “Best Pastoral Studies/Counseling Schools” list, coming in at #6. The yearly cost to attend Bethel University Minnesota is $21,313 for pastoral studies/counseling students whose families make $0-$30k.

The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 1.9%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%. The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 85%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year.

Read more about Pastoral Studies/Counseling at Bethel University Minnesota

7

Indiana Wesleyan University - National & Global did quite well in the 2023 Best Value Pastoral Studies/Counseling Schools For Those Making $0-$30k ranking, coming in at #7. IWU is located in Marion, Indiana and, has a fairly large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 35 ’s pastoral studies/counseling degrees to qualified students.

In addition to being on our pastoral studies/counseling students whose families make $0-$30k list, IWU has also earned the #3 rank in our “Best Pastoral Studies/Counseling Schools” ranking. The yearly cost to attend IWU is $18,474 for Pastoral Studies/Counseling students whose families make $0-$30k.

The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 5.0%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

Read full report on Pastoral Studies/Counseling at IWU

8
Lancaster Bible College crest
Lancaster Bible College
Lancaster, Pennsylvania

With a ranking of #8, Lancaster Bible College did quite well on the 2023 Best Value Pastoral Studies/Counseling Schools For Those Making $0-$30k list. Located in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, this small private not-for-profit school handed out 36 diplomas to qualified ’s pastoral studies/counseling students in 2020-2021.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at Lancaster Bible College, the school also landed the #9 spot in our “Best Pastoral Studies/Counseling Schools” ranking. It costs about $18,208 for Pastoral Studies/Counseling students whose families make $0-$30k per year to attend Lancaster Bible College.

Read full report on Pastoral Studies/Counseling at Lancaster Bible College

8

Grace College and Theological Seminary landed the #8 spot on the 2023 Best Value Pastoral Studies/Counseling Schools For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. Grace College is located in Winona Lake, Indiana and, has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 14 ’s pastoral studies/counseling degrees to qualified students.

Grace College did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #11 on our “Best Pastoral Studies/Counseling Schools” list. The estimated yearly cost for Grace College is $13,669 for Pastoral Studies/Counseling students whose families make $0-$30k.

The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 3.1%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

Read more about Pastoral Studies/Counseling at Grace College

10
North Central University crest
North Central University
Minneapolis, Minnesota

North Central University did quite well in the 2023 Best Value Pastoral Studies/Counseling Schools For Those Making $0-$30k ranking, coming in at #10. North Central University is a small school located in Minneapolis, Minnesota that handed out 10 ’s pastoral studies/counseling degrees in 2020-2021.

In addition to being on our pastoral studies/counseling students whose families make $0-$30k list, North Central University has also earned the #12 rank in our “Best Pastoral Studies/Counseling Schools” ranking. The estimated yearly cost for North Central University is $21,748 for Pastoral Studies/Counseling students whose families make $0-$30k.

The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 3.6%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Full North Central University Pastoral Studies/Counseling Report

11
Andrews crest
Andrews University
Berrien Springs, Michigan

Andrews University did quite well in the 2023 Best Value Pastoral Studies/Counseling Schools For Those Making $0-$30k ranking, coming in at #11. Andrews University is a small private not-for-profit school situated in Berrien Springs, Michigan. It awarded 75 ’s pastoral studies/counseling degrees in 2020-2021.

Andrews also made our “Best Pastoral Studies/Counseling Schools” list, coming in at #15. The estimated yearly cost for Andrews is $19,916 for Pastoral Studies/Counseling students whose families make $0-$30k.

Since the school has a undergrad student-to-faculty ratio of 10 to 1, those pursuing a degree will have more opportunities to interact with their professors. The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 3.5%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%. Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 85%.

Read full report on Pastoral Studies/Counseling at Andrews

12

Indiana Wesleyan University came in at #12 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Pastoral Studies/Counseling Schools For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. Marion, Indiana is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out ’s pastoral studies/counseling degrees to 42 students in 2020-2021.

In addition to being on our pastoral studies/counseling students whose families make $0-$30k list, IWU has also earned the #20 rank in our “Best Pastoral Studies/Counseling Schools” ranking. The estimated yearly cost for Indiana Wesleyan University is $15,834 for pastoral studies/counseling students whose families make $0-$30k.

The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 5.0%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Read more about Pastoral Studies/Counseling at Indiana Wesleyan University

13
The Master's University crest
The Master's University and Seminary
Santa Clarita, California

The Master’s University and Seminary landed the #13 spot on the 2023 Best Value Pastoral Studies/Counseling Schools For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. Santa Clarita, California is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out ’s pastoral studies/counseling degrees to 31 students in 2020-2021.

The Master’s University also took the #5 spot in our “Best Pastoral Studies/Counseling Schools” ranking. The estimated yearly cost for The Master’s University is $24,091 for pastoral studies/counseling students whose families make $0-$30k.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 1.5% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%.

Full The Master’s University and Seminary Pastoral Studies/Counseling Report

14
GFU crest
George Fox University
Newberg, Oregon

With a ranking of #14, George Fox University did quite well on the 2023 Best Value Pastoral Studies/Counseling Schools For Those Making $0-$30k list. GFU is a private not-for-profit institution located in Newberg, Oregon. The school has a small population, and it awarded 40 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.

GFU also took the #7 spot in our “Best Pastoral Studies/Counseling Schools” ranking. The estimated yearly cost for GFU is $22,552 for pastoral studies/counseling students whose families make $0-$30k.

The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 1.6%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

Read full report on Pastoral Studies/Counseling at George Fox University

15
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University of Valley Forge
Phoenixville, Pennsylvania

University of Valley Forge came in at #15 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Pastoral Studies/Counseling Schools For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. This small school is located in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, and it awarded 4 ’s pastoral studies/counseling degrees in 2020-2021.

UVF not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #22 on our “Best Pastoral Studies/Counseling Schools” list. It costs about $19,889 for Pastoral Studies/Counseling students whose families make $0-$30k per year to attend UVF.

Read more about Pastoral Studies/Counseling at UVF

16
ORU crest
Oral Roberts University
Tulsa, Oklahoma

Oral Roberts University ranked #16 on this year’s Best Value Pastoral Studies/Counseling Schools For Those Making $0-$30k list. This small school is located in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and it awarded 15 ’s pastoral studies/counseling degrees in 2020-2021.

The estimated yearly cost for ORU is $16,080 for pastoral studies/counseling students whose families make $0-$30k.

Read full report on Pastoral Studies/Counseling at ORU

17

Trinity International University - Illinois landed the #17 spot on the 2023 Best Value Pastoral Studies/Counseling Schools For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. Located in Deerfield, Illinois, this small private not-for-profit school awarded 21 degrees to qualified ’s pastoral studies/counseling students in 2020-2021.

The estimated yearly cost for TIU Illinois is $17,670 for pastoral studies/counseling students whose families make $0-$30k.

The impressive undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio of 8 to 1 means that students may have more opportunities to work more closely with their professors than they would at other schools.

Read full report on Pastoral Studies/Counseling at TIU Illinois

18

Northwest Nazarene University landed the #18 spot on the 2023 Best Value Pastoral Studies/Counseling Schools For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. Northwest Nazarene University is located in Nampa, Idaho and, has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 11 ’s pastoral studies/counseling degrees to qualified students.

It costs about $19,253 for Pastoral Studies/Counseling students whose families make $0-$30k per year to attend Northwest Nazarene University.

The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 2.1%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Read more about Pastoral Studies/Counseling at NNU

19

With a ranking of #19, Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary did quite well on the 2023 Best Value Pastoral Studies/Counseling Schools For Those Making $0-$30k list. This small school is located in Kansas City, Missouri, and it awarded 5 ’s pastoral studies/counseling degrees in 2020-2021.

The yearly cost to attend MBTS is $15,106 for Pastoral Studies/Counseling students whose families make $0-$30k.

The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 2.7%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Read more about Pastoral Studies/Counseling at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary

20
Seattle U crest
Seattle University
Seattle, Washington

Seattle University landed the #20 spot on the 2023 Best Value Pastoral Studies/Counseling Schools For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. Seattle, Washington is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out ’s pastoral studies/counseling degrees to 27 students in 2020-2021.

In addition to being on our pastoral studies/counseling students whose families make $0-$30k list, Seattle U has also earned the #10 rank in our “Best Pastoral Studies/Counseling Schools” ranking. The estimated yearly cost for Seattle U is $25,304 for pastoral studies/counseling students whose families make $0-$30k.

Since the school has a undergrad student-to-faculty ratio of 10 to 1, those pursuing a degree will have more opportunities to interact with their professors. The low undergrad student loan default rate of 1.1% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%.

Full Seattle U Pastoral Studies/Counseling Report

21
Cornerstone crest
Cornerstone University
Grand Rapids, Michigan

Cornerstone University came in at #21 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Pastoral Studies/Counseling Schools For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. Located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, this small private not-for-profit school awarded 4 degrees to qualified ’s pastoral studies/counseling students in 2020-2021.

The estimated yearly cost for Cornerstone is $17,675 for pastoral studies/counseling students whose families make $0-$30k.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 4.3% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%. The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 86%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year.

Read full report on Pastoral Studies/Counseling at Cornerstone University

22
Ashland crest
Ashland University
Ashland, Ohio

Ashland University came in at #22 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Pastoral Studies/Counseling Schools For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. Ashland University is a small school located in Ashland, Ohio that handed out 13 ’s pastoral studies/counseling degrees in 2020-2021.

The yearly cost to attend Ashland is $19,728 for Pastoral Studies/Counseling students whose families make $0-$30k.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 4.1% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%.

Read full report on Pastoral Studies/Counseling at Ashland

23
Valor Christian College crest
Valor Christian College
Canal Winchester, Ohio

Valor Christian College did quite well in the 2023 Best Value Pastoral Studies/Counseling Schools For Those Making $0-$30k ranking, coming in at #23. Located in Canal Winchester, Ohio, this small private not-for-profit school awarded 44 diplomas to qualified ’s pastoral studies/counseling students in 2020-2021.

It costs about $12,399 for pastoral studies/counseling students whose families make $0-$30k per year to attend Valor Christian College.

Read full report on Pastoral Studies/Counseling at Valor Christian College

24
SEU crest
Southeastern University
Lakeland, Florida

Southeastern University ranked #24 on this year’s Best Value Pastoral Studies/Counseling Schools For Those Making $0-$30k list. This medium-sized school is located in Lakeland, Florida, and it awarded 12 ’s pastoral studies/counseling degrees in 2020-2021.

SEU also made our “Best Pastoral Studies/Counseling Schools” list, coming in at #16. The yearly cost to attend SEU is $25,798 for Pastoral Studies/Counseling students whose families make $0-$30k.

Read full report on Pastoral Studies/Counseling at Southeastern University

25
EU crest
Eastern University
Saint Davids, Pennsylvania

Eastern University did quite well in the 2023 Best Value Pastoral Studies/Counseling Schools For Those Making $0-$30k ranking, coming in at #25. EU is located in Saint Davids, Pennsylvania and, has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 3 ’s pastoral studies/counseling degrees to qualified students.

EU also took the #25 spot in our “Best Pastoral Studies/Counseling Schools” ranking. The estimated yearly cost for EU is $24,130 for pastoral studies/counseling students whose families make $0-$30k.

Full EU Pastoral Studies/Counseling Report

Notes and References

References

Read more about our data sources and methodologies

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